Page 27 of Wild Lily
Julian set his teeth at the woman’s breech of etiquette.
Lily smiled sweetly, ignoring the lack of protocol. “We will.”
“Marvelous. And the Carbury house party?”
Marianne cast a stern eye at the butler to continue his task of assisting all with their coats.
Lily grinned, all grace. “That, too.”
“Oh, wonderful.” Mrs. Manchester clasped her hands before her in joy.
Dahlia secured the buttons on her coat. “Mama, we must go. Thank you so much for a lovely afternoon.”
“The Carbury party will be our first in the country.” The lady was not to be diverted. “Lord Chelton, I understand you are invited, too. So we will be a lovely intimate group.”
His guts twitching at the possibility, Julian wished to show some restraint lest he wag his tail, eager as a puppy to see Lily again. “I’m afraid I have not yet replied.”
Chaumont gave him the drollest look. “But your lands adjoin, do they not, Monsieur le Marquis? I would say you would be the first to attend,oui?”
“I have another pending engagement and may not be able to attend.”
“A pity,” said Mrs. Manchester.
And when Lily Hanniford’s gaze met his, Julian stilled. Disappointment lingered in those blue depths. Longing, quickly covered by a fluttering of lashes.
So. She was conflicted as well.
Dare he deny the hunger he’d glimpsed in her eyes?
He’d be a fool to call it nil. An idiot to go. A cretin to refrain.
He bowed over each lady’s hand and lingered before Lily. “I bid you good day. Until we meet again.”
